Senior School Virtual Carol Service
Pupils and Old Stopfordians created a Virtual Christmas Celebration to mark the traditional Stockport Grammar School Carol Service, which is usually held at St. George’s Church each year.
This virtual celebration brings together carols performed by Chamber Choir, Chorus and Junior Chamber Choir as well as the story of the birth of Jesus, read by current and former Head Girls and Head Boys, Old Stopfordian President Graham Earles, former Headmaster’s Mr Wright and Mr Chicken, and current Headmaster Dr Owen. The Service has been directed by School Chaplain, Reverend Leaver, and Director of Music, Mr Dow. You can view the Carol Service here.
Audiences can enjoy traditional carols including Once in Royal David’s City, Good King Wenceslas, O Little Town of Bethlehem and Come All Ye Faithful, alongside beautiful choral compositions including Gaudete, The Angel Gabriel, Torches and Lullay My Liking.
As part of the school’s Christmas celebrations, Third Year pupil Beatrice Downing and teacher Dr. T. Kempelmann designed some Christmas-themed artwork which has been used for Stockport Grammar School Christmas cards, and in the video.
Thirty one readers took part in the video including many SGS Head Boys and Girls from all generations between 1953 to 2020. Readers also include Old Stopfordian President Graham Earles (OS 1983), Senior School Headmaster, Dr Owen, and Former Headmaster’s Mr Wright (1979-1985) and Mr Chicken (2005-2018).
Current Head Girl, Grace Shropshire, and Head Boy, Cam Wylie, also joined the service as narrators of the story of the birth of Christ.
Blessings and Prayers were read by School Chaplain, The Reverend Leaver, who also co-ordinated the project, alongside Mr Dow, Director of Music, with choral support by Mrs Matthews, Mr Newlove and Mrs Short.
The school is grateful to all participants and we look forward to seeing many of you at next year’s service which has been scheduled for Monday 13th December 2021 at St. George’s Church, Stockport.
Credit: Handel Productions Ltd
